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John Copeland

Interview

Photography

Jesper D. Lund

Artist

Artists can be reclusive, egotistical and sometimes a little bit odd. A Google search of John Copeland doesn’t provide much—he’s relatively unknown. Why? Because he’s busy working on his art. Working twelve hours a day, to be exact, in relative isolation, and rarely taking time off. Walking into his Greenpoint studio incites quite the shock. Approaching the entrance of a motorcycle repair shop, you can’t help but wonder, “Is this the right place?” But John’s excruciatingly cute black puppy disarms the hardcore atmosphere and ushers you toward the artist’s massive studio space in the back, where extra-large canvases full of colorful abstractions hang on the walls, as though on display in a private gallery. John smiles charmingly, asks if you’d like a glass of water, and you realize some of the best things in life are those that aren’t so easy to find.

What is your ideal office?

Depends. One that helps give some space and quiet and order.

What is your favorite part of the human body?

I don’t really think of the body in terms of favorite parts. In the same way I don’t have a favorite color. I’m more interested in how the whole thing fits together, you can’t separate it from the context.

What is the last great song you listened to?

Been playing Nels Cline tonight. And right now, Tinariwen with Nels Cline, Imidiwan Ma Tenam.

Where is the beauty in the grotesque?

It’s all how you look at it right?

What is the most sacred spot on Earth?

Hard to say, sometimes it’s the studio. But anywhere could be sacred.

If you hit the jackpot, what’s the first thing you would buy?

Land.

How do you suffer for your art?

I wouldn’t say I suffer... I feel pretty blessed to be able to do this for a living. Of course you make sacrifices, but I can’t complain.

Do you have a favorite indulgence?

Whiskey.

Why are you attracted to or inspired by motorcycles?

There is a directness, and rawness to them, something pared down to the essentials. And riding is best when you’re present, not thinking about past or future.

Does your interest in bikes influence your work at all?

Yeah, it’s all connected somehow. I do think there is some dialogue between the two even if it’s not overt.